Christchurch 360 Trail

A 130km Walking/Biking/Running trail that circles Christchurch

The Christchurch 360 trail showcases and interprets the rich array of natural, landscape, seascape and cultural features of the city that have previously been hidden.

Divided into 8 sections, of approximately 17 kilometres each, the Christchurch 360 Trail provides a unique, single or multi-day experience, with ever-changing beach, sea, estuary, river, hill, bush and city views.The idea of a trail began 25 years ago with Dr Colin Meurk, a botanist, who over many years offered guided botanical walks around the city’s outskirts. The purpose of these walks was educational, to encourage people to learn about the native biodiversity within the city’s boundaries, and through knowledge treasure it and work for its preservation while enjoying the recreational benefits.

For a number of years a dedicated group of volunteers have been working on making this track become a reality through developing a website www.christchurch360trail.org.nz logo, route guides and interpretation panels with the support of the CHS, CCC, DOC and some funding from Rotary.

Colin Meurk will start a walk of the entire 135km circuit on Saturday 3 October after a celebratory opening event in Wetlands Grove, Bexley. On Sunday 4 October (in association with the Breeze Walking Festival), there will be guided walks of parts of 3 of the legs. Rotary clubs will be hosting BBQs at the finishing locations of these guided walks.

Registration is essential for those taking advantage of the buses for transport for the guided Christchurch 360Trail walks, but those not using our buses are welcome to join along on any of the walks.

Wetlands – hidden gems and launch

Saturday 3 October 11-12.30 am. Distance 5km

Meet end of Wetlands Grove off Anzac Drive (Bexley)

Launching Christchurch 360 Trail by exploring the red zone Bexley Wetlands of the Avon River. This section of the Christchurch 360 ends at Travis Wetland and if you want more than a gentle walk, you’re invited to accompany Dr Colin Meurk as he starts to walk the 135 kms of the trail over 8 days. Colin plans to finish the day’s walk at Travis Wetland (10km). Please organize your own transport if you choose to accompany him. He resumes his walk the next day, Sunday 4 October when he joins the Walking Festival group as they walk from Travis to Spencer Park. Details of where to join him as he walks the whole trail will be posted on https://www.facebook.com/Christchurch360

Summit Ridge to Halswell Quarry

Panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour and Canterbury Plains are highlights. This historic undulating route along the Summit ridge traverses a rich mosaic of vegetation before descending to Halswell Quarry Park

About the Society

The Canterbury Horticultural Society began with the colonisation of Canterbury in the 1850’s. It was originally called the Christchurch Agricultural, Botanical and Horticultural Society.

In 1861 the group split and the Horticultural arm became the Christchurch Horticultural Society. This changed its name in 1898 to become the Canterbury Horticultural Society, which today is the largest horticultural club for home gardeners in New Zealand.

Our Membership

The Society's membership extends throughout New Zealand and overseas and its comprehensive programme includes garden and native garden awards, a National Garden Register of open gardens to visit, education courses, touring programmes including walking groups and providing advice to gardeners.
The Society also has a number of specialist circles, over fifty Garden Clubs and many affiliated groups.
The Canterbury Horticultural Society Incorporated is a registered charity in New Zealand.

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Awards

The CHS won two Gold awards at the 2014 Ellerslie Flower Show for its Grandad’s Shed exhibit including one for the lighting and the CHS Begonia Circle won another Gold award for its exhibit in the Hort Galore section.